Bolivia -- New President's Speech

["Jose G. Perez" <jg_perez@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Carlos Mesa's speech (heard most, some interruption in webcast)

The new president has just announced a binding referendum on the gas
question.

He has also announced he will support the holding of a Constituent
Assembly

He is supporting the call for the "refoundation" of Bolivia as a basis
for discussion -- don't know what the content of that is.

"Find the road" to holding a constituent assembly in a short time.

The term of his mandate -- he is proposing his being formally a
transitional president, a "a historic transitional government" to a new
Bolivia, and then new elections would be held.

Calling for sacrifice, holding up the interests of the homeland.

Calling for a government (cabinet) "without the active participation of
any political party".

He's saying this is necessary to recover the credibility of the
executive, the legislature and the parties.

Calls on Congress to give decided support to a non-party government.

Calling for an end to "measures of pressure" (strikes, blockades, etc.) 

Says country's economic situation is very grave.

*  *  *

Radio commentator says what is involved is changing from "representative
democracy to participatory democracy". [That's how Chávez described the
change in the Venezuelan constitution.]










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